Grace Lethlean, a passionate enabler of commercial potential in digital health has been named one of Australia’s official Superstars of STEM.

Ms Lethlean, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of ANDHealth, is one of 60 brilliant women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who want to step into the spotlight as media stars chosen for this acclaimed national program.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews today announced those chosen for Science & Technology Australia’s game-changing Superstars of STEM program in 2021-22.

Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the program gave women in STEM stronger skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media.

“It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “Women are still seriously under-represented in STEM leadership roles. The Superstars of STEM program sets out to smash stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician look like – these powerful role models show girls that STEM is for them.

“We can’t thank the Australian Government enough for its strong support of this important program, which is already having a profound impact. Sustaining this type of program for the long-term is more important than ever amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on women in the STEM workforce,” she said.

Ms Lethlean said she was thrilled to have been chosen from a very competitive national field.

“Through this program, I want use my voice to maximise the impact of our work—creating jobs in digital health, benefiting more patients, and empowering women in STEM.”

ANDHealth is Australia’s leading organisation in accelerating the commercialisation of evidence-based digital health technologies. Nine of the companies they support have raised $31.6 million in capital, generated $17.6 million in revenues, created 217 jobs, launched 28 clinical trials and studies, and served 117,885 patients. ANDHealth is also Australia’s only female founded, female led healthtech accelerator program.

As co-founder of ANDHealth, Ms Lethlean works with emerging digital health companies, industry and the ANDHealth team to design and deliver high impact commericalisation programs specific to digital health, which have impacted over 380 companies since 2017.

ANDHealth CEO and Founder Bronwyn Le Grice said, “We are thrilled the Grace has been accepted to the Superstars of STEM program 2020-21. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the immense commercial and societal impact of digital health. By developing Grace’s media skills, she will be better able to articulate the potential of this nascent industry and share the incredible achievements of our companies, helping to grow our digital health sector.”

Supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, these next 60 Superstars of STEM will participate in the program in 2021 and 2022.

‍